Velocity dependent brake for clutch actuator

• US 10,228,035 B2
• Filed: 06/20/2016
• Issued: 03/12/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive AS (Kongsberg Automotive ASA)
• Original Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive AS (Kongsberg Automotive ASA)
• Inventors: Engman, Lars Jimmy, Brudeli, Geir, Vikebo, Eivind Lund
• Primary Examiner(s): MacArthur, Victor L
• Application Number:
  US15/187,344
• Publication Number:
  US 20170363165A1
• Time in Patent Office: 995 Days
• Field of Search: 192 841- 843, 192 846, 192 94, 475 5, 744733
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 2023/123 Clutch actuation by cams, ramps or ball-screw mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 2121/14 Mechanical
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 2125/40 Screw-and-nut
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 23/00 Details of mechanically-actuated clutches not specific for one distinct type
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 28/00 Electrically-actuated clutches arrangements for synchronisation F16D23/02; clutches actuated directly by means of an electromagnet F16D27/00; automatic clutches F16D43/00 - F16D45/00; external control F16D48/00
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 67/02 Clutch-brake combinations

Abstract

A clutch actuator assembly includes a drive member, a threaded rod including a first end operatively connected to the drive member, a second end, and an intermediate portion including a plurality of threads extending therebetween. A member is threadably engaged with the plurality of threads of the threaded rod, a clutch actuator member is arranged at the second end of the threaded rod, and a velocity brake is operatively coupled to the threaded rod. The velocity brake decelerates rotation of the threaded rod.

Claims

1. A clutch actuator assembly comprising:

a drive member;

a threaded rod including a first end operatively connected to the drive member, a second end, and an intermediate portion including a plurality of threads extending therebetween;

a member threadably engaged with the plurality of threads of the threaded rod;

a clutch actuator member arranged at the second end of the threaded rod; and

a velocity brake operatively coupled to the threaded rod, the velocity brake decelerating rotation of the threaded rod.

2. The clutch actuator assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:

a clutch release bearing mounted to a lever, the lever being operatively connected to the clutch actuator member through a pushrod.

3. The clutch actuator assembly according to claim 1, wherein the velocity brake includes a stationary member and a rotating member operatively coupled to the threaded rod.

4. The clutch actuator assembly according to claim 3, further comprising:

a compliant member operatively coupled between the threaded rod and the rotating member.

5. The clutch actuator assembly according to claim 3, wherein the rotating member includes a surface provided with a friction inducing material.

6. The clutch actuator assembly according to claim 3, wherein the stationary member comprises an electrically conductive surface operable to generate an electrical field and the rotating member comprises a second magnet.

7. The clutch actuator assembly according to claim 1, wherein the driving member comprises an engine.

8. The clutch actuator assembly according to claim 7, wherein the engine comprises an electric engine.

9. The clutch actuator assembly according to claim 7, further comprising:

a planetary gear set operatively connecting the threaded rod and the engine.

10. The clutch actuator assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:

a position sensor arranged to sense a position of the member relative to the threaded rod.

11. A transmission system comprising:

a body housing a plurality of gears;

a clutch assembly mounted to the body, the clutch assembly providing a selectively engageable interface to an engine; and

a clutch actuator assembly operatively connected to the clutch assembly, the clutch actuator assembly comprising;

a drive member;

a threaded rod including a first end operatively connected to the drive member, a second end, and an intermediate portion including a plurality of threads extending therebetween;

a member threadably engaged with the plurality of threads of the threaded rod;

a clutch actuator member arranged at the second end of the threaded rod; and

a velocity brake operatively coupled to the threaded rod, the velocity brake decelerating rotation of the threaded rod.

12. The transmission system according to claim 11, wherein the velocity brake includes a stationary member and a rotating member operatively coupled to the threaded rod.

13. The transmission system according to claim 12, further comprising:

a compliant member operatively coupled between the threaded rod and the rotating member.

14. The transmission system according to claim 12, wherein the rotating member includes a surface provided with one of a friction inducing material and a magnet.

15. The transmission system according to claim 11, wherein the drive member comprises an electric engine.